General business

Issues to consider when running your own business. Click on the links below to access the relevant information.

Accounting records

What records should you keep – and for how long?

Bribery Act 2010

This factsheet gives an overview of the procedures you must put in place in relation to the Bribery Act 2010.

Company secretarial duties

This factsheet considers what company information has to be made available and looks at whether a company secretary needs to be appointed.

The Criminal Finances Act makes companies and partnerships criminally liable for failing to prevent tax evasion. This factsheet considers the key aspects of the Act and the implications for your business.

Directors’ responsibilities

Becoming a director carries with it potentially onerous duties. Make sure you know what those duties are. This factsheet gives guidance on directors’ responsibilities.

Franchising

Franchising is becoming increasingly popular. This factsheet considers the advantages and disadvantages of franchising and points to consider when considering operating as a franchise.

Fraud and how to spot it - ten step guide

This factsheet considers how you can increase your awareness of the factors that indicate fraud. It also sets out the defences that you can implement to minimise the risk within your business.

Grants

We consider if your business is eligible for a grant.

Micro Entity Accounting

This factsheet considers the options available to micro entities when preparing their accounts. This factsheet considers the options available.

Narrative reporting

An explanation of the directors' report requirements faced by private companies.

Preparing for your accountant

Whether we are producing your accounts or carrying out tax compliance work, being prepared for us will ensure our work is carried out smoothly and efficiently and with the minimum disruption to yourselves. This factsheet highlights many of the ways in which you can help.

Register of people with significant control

This factsheet summarises the requirements which place additional obligations on companies, their officers and the people with significant control over them.

Running a limited company

Running a limited company presents a range of unique challenges and responsibilities. Limited companies are subject to tight reporting and financial responsibilities and the directors of the limited company have their own duties and responsibilities.

Securing business success

As many as half of all businesses fail in their first three years of trading, this factsheet summarises the specific reasons for business failure and how to avoid them.

Small Company Accounting

We consider the required format of statutory accounts for small companies. This factsheet considers the reporting requirements and their impact.

Valuing your business

There are many reasons why you may need to calculate the value of your business. This factsheet consider the range of methods available as well as some of the factors to consider during the process.

07 Jul 2025

HMRC system attack is a timely reminder to keep personal data safe

Taxpayers are being urged to check their online HMRC account after scammers attempted to defraud the tax authority using individuals' data and login details.

07 Jul 2025

Government should take more strategic approach to tax policy, says CIOT

The government should take a more strategic approach to tax policy, consulting earlier and giving greater thought to the design of the tax system, says Nichola Ross Martin, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).

Autumn Budget 2024

A review of measures for UK businesses and individuals.

Spring Statement 2025

Details of the Spring Statement 2025. Our summary focuses on the key issues.

Factsheets

Factsheets covering a range of relevant accountancy and business topics.